Dead Ringers

Enter the DA

Miles's foot taps quickly and impatiently on the tile floor. With the silence in the corridor, the tapping echoes all the louder. I slowly turn my head to shoot him a glare. "Seriously?"

The tapping stops as he returns my glare. "Yes."

"You didn't have to come," I remind him.

"Yes, I did."

"What exactly did you two get into a fight over?"

"It wasn't a fight."

"Fine, argument."

Miles looks away, "None of your concern."

"Detective Elijah Miles," a voice calls, "What a surprise to see you so soon."

Miles stands, glaring toward the voice. "Not my idea."

I stand and turn towards DA Cullen. I had seen him before, in passing and on television, but being this close, I could see why people would say he was intimidating. His dark hair is slicked back and though he wears an easy smile, his ice-blue eyes are cool and calculating. He's as tall as Miles is, but that's not what has my brain spinning. I can't get over the fact that there's something about him that seems familiar. 

His eyes slide to me, and I hold out a hand, I never get to say my name though, it would seem he also knows who I am.

"Detective Fullin," he says clasping my hand, "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise."

DA Cullen easily tucks his hands in his pockets, eyes flicking between the two of us. "Forgive me, Detective Fullin, but I was under the impression that you worked for Day Division, not Night Division."

"I do work for Day Division. This is a joint custody case."

He arches an eyebrow. "Really?"

"She's rather persistent and doesn't know when to quit," Miles says. I don't miss the edge in his voice.

"We've hit an obstacle of sorts and Max, Miles's Nigh Division partner suggested that you might be able to help. Miles insisted on tagging along," I shoot Miles a warning glare.

DA Cullen looks at Miles. "Afraid my charming personality will lessen her tolerance for your chilly one, cousin?"

My mind stops and restarts as Miles growls at DA Cullen.

Had I heard that right? Had DA Cullen just called Miles's cousin? I make a T with my hands. "Time out." I turn towards Miles. "Cousin?" Looking at Miles, I can now see the resemblance.

Miles is glaring at DA Cullen. "Unfortunately."

"And you didn't mention that because?" I spread my hands wide. My hands turn up as if to ward off what he might be about to say, "Actually, no. I don't want to know. Just get over it."

I hear DA Cullen chuckle. "I like her."

Miles growls again. 

"Stop it." Miles looks at me, incredulous. "You're a grown adult and a detective at that. Act like it." I shake my head, "You're worse than Elliot." I turn back to DA Cullen. "My apologies."

"I'm rather used to it. Please, let's talk in my office," DA Cullen motions down the hall.

xXxXx

Cullen taps his thumbs. "That is quite the situation, but I think I might have a possible solution," he tilts his head, "A very slight one at that."

"We're listening."

Cullen leans forward. "What you need is a way to speak to the Jones's in a situation where no suspicion will be raised about you talking to them. In other words, you can't be a badge. You'd have to be very careful in what you say, if it's too obvious that you're fishing for clues, the jig is up-"